Identification of Legal Barriers to the Rearing and Processing of Insects in the EU—Implications Based on a Case Study

Insect farming for several purposes, which inscribes itself into circular economy, could become an alternative to traditional agriculture in Europe. Insects are a more sustainable and circular alternative source of protein and fat in food and feeds. The aim of this study is to identify legal barriers to the rearing of insects and marketing of insect-based products. The study focuses on the identification of such barriers to insect rearing and to the production of fertilizers from insect frass. The dogmatic legal method, as well as SWOT and PESTEL analyses, are employed in this research. The two latter methods are used to gain insight into the views held by the industry's stakeholders. Subsequently, issues within the research field, such as the rearing of insects, their welfare, and the requirements imposed on the feeding of farmed insects, are discussed. Finally, solutions to the identified problems are suggested. The most important strengths of insect farming are its innovative edge and the creation of new products at the EU level. Weaknesses include technological and organizational challenges. Stakeholders attribute high importance to external circumstances, especially economic and social ones. As concluded from this study, the current laws are not optimal for insect farming; however, despite this situation, some changes to the law could facilitate the acquisition of feed for insects or the marketing of some insect-based products. The proposed legal changes aim at lifting the identified barriers to insect farming while still meeting safety requirements and supporting circular economy principles.